Acts is a study of the Christian prayer life. It is full of stories for inspiring and instructing our prayers. In Acts, we are provided examples of successful prayer that may increase our expectation for answers to prayers. It is also important to notice that the believers in Acts were not so much interested in reading and studying about prayer, as they were committed to a lifestyle of actually praying.
Already in chapter 1 we have seen the disciples praying on two different occasions. Their prayer in the upper room following the ascension was answered by Pentecost. Their prayer for guidance in choosing a successor to Judas was answered by the lot falling on Matthias. Here we see prayer as a priority for Christians, preparation for revival and essential for leaders. And so it is throughout the book.
Those who were converted on the day of Pentecost continued steadfastly in prayer (2:42). The succeeding verses (43-47) describe the ideal conditions present in this praying fellowship.
Following the release of Peter and John, the believers prayed for boldness (4:29). As a result, the place was shaken, they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness (4:31).
The Apostles suggested that seven men be chosen for service and financial matters so that they could devote their time more fully to prayer and the ministry of the Word (6:3, 4). The Apostles then prayed and laid their hands on the seven (6:6). The next verses record thrilling new triumphs for the gospel (6:7, 8).
Stephen prayed as he was about to be martyred (7:59). Chapter 9 records an answer to that prayer—the conversion of an onlooker, Saul of Tarsus (Paul).
Peter and John prayed for the Samaritans who believed, with the result that they received the Holy Spirit (8:15–17).
Following his conversion, Saul of Tarsus prayed in the house of Judas: God answered the prayer by sending Ananias to him (9:11-17).
Peter prayed at Joppa and Dorcas was raised to life (9:40). As a result many believed on the Lord (9:42).
The gentile centurion Cornelius prayed (10:2); his prayers went up as a memorial before God (10:4). An angel appeared to him in a vision, instructing him to send for a man named Simon Peter (10:5). The next day Peter prayed (10:9). His prayer was answered by a heavenly vision that prepared him to open the doors of the kingdom to Cornelius and other Gentiles (10:10-48).
When Peter was imprisoned, the Christians prayed for him earnestly (12:5). God answered by miraculously delivering him from jail—much to the astonishment of those who were praying (12:6-17).
The prophets and teachers at Antioch fasted and prayed (13:3). This launched the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas. It has been said that this was the mightiest outreach of prayer ever seen: for it touched the ends of the earth, even to us, through Paul and Barnabas, the missionaries.
On a return trip to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, Paul and Barnabas prayed for those who had believed (14:23). One of these was Timothy. Was it an answer to these prayers that Timothy joined Paul and Silas on their second missionary journey?
In prison at Philippi, the midnight prayers of Paul and Silas were answered by an earthquake and by the conversion of the jailer and his family (16:25:34).
Paul prayed with the Ephesian elders at Miletus (20:36); this brought a touching demonstration of their affection for him and of their grief that they would not see him again in this life.
The Christians at Tyre prayed with Paul on the beach (21:5), and these prayers doubtless followed him to Rome and to the executioner’s block.
Prior to his shipwreck, Paul publicly prayed, giving thanks to God for the food. This brought cheer to the forlorn crew and passengers (27:35, 36)
On the island of Malta, Paul prayed for the governor’s father who was ill. The result was that the patient was miraculously healed (28:8).
So it seems clear that prayer was the attitude and atmosphere in which the early church lived. What a wonderful, divine partnership we have in prayer as participants in God’s purposes. When the Christians prayed, God moved…and when God was working, the Christians were praying. “History belongs to the intercessors!”
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